Toys Can Help Teach Creativity →
You can develop creativity by experimenting, exploring, questioning assumptions, using imagination, and processing information. Creativity is similar to learning a sport; it requires practice and a supportive environment to thrive.
For infants and young children, the brain's elasticity and rapid neural formation make learning languages and developing creative ideas easier. Elasticity is the brain's capability to re-route or re-wire to enhance thinking. Some individuals possess a "Creative Eye," which means that when they see something, they are motivated to create a version of it or think of how to use it.
Toys are often used to replicate real-life events.
Creativity can be taught, and toys can greatly aid young children. For instance, consider an 8-year-old boy who receives a small Lionel train set. Do they associate their thoughts about the train set with the actual trains in the countryside or on road trips with their parents? Do they envision a train station, bridges, tunnels, and terrain that could be built around the train tracks? Do they have relatives or neighbors who may have worked on trains and could give input on the new Lionel train set layout? The right gifts and toys can open doors to creativity, but is more required to mentor a young child to think of options and come up with ideas?
Understanding the broader purposes of toys can make a difference in working with children. Is it such a big step from creating a train station as a youngster to understanding graphic design and layout? Sometimes, lifelong passions such as trains come from commitments made by mentors.
Unleashing Creativity →
Creativity is typically considered a soft skill, but learning creativity techniques, such as cognitive methods like brainstorming, mind mapping, or lateral thinking, to develop new ways to solve problems is challenging because they are teachable and measurable.
This skill can positively impact both personal and professional life. By thinking creatively, individuals can generate innovative ideas, solve problems more effectively, and improve their cognitive abilities. Therefore, it is essential to consistently practice this skill to strengthen the neural pathways associated with creativity.
One effective way to enhance creativity is to step outside one's comfort zone and take calculated risks. Although it may seem daunting, it is essential to understand that failure is a natural part of the creative process. Many groundbreaking ideas and inventions were born out of multiple failures. Remaining curious, open-minded, and willing to challenge assumptions is necessary for cultivating creativity.
Collaboration is a powerful catalyst for creativity. By working with other creative individuals, one can tap into fresh ideas and push the boundaries of their creations. This fosters a sense of community and provides valuable feedback, inspiration, and encouragement. These interactions help individuals grow and refine their creative abilities, emphasizing the value of teamwork in the creative process.
Not only does creativity offer personal benefits, but it is also becoming increasingly important in the modern workforce. Employers seek individuals who can think outside the box and bring new ideas, especially in the face of changing circumstances such as technological advancements or global crises and when tackling complex challenges like sustainability or social inequality. Individuals who cultivate creativity can positively impact the world.
Did you know that consistent practice can increase your brain's creativity ability? Taking risks and putting in effort regularly can unlock your creative potential and achieve amazing things. So why not start cultivating your creativity today?
Does Music inspire Creativity or does Creativity inspire Music? →
The answer to this question is:
Yes, music inspires creativity, and creativity inspires music.
Billy Joel’s song, River of Dreams, is creative and encourages; however, I don’t recall a saxophone.
The music, including the words to the song, can lead to a unique life view and even a philosophy. The philosophy comes from searching for the right words to connect to the music.
The music mixed with the lyrics speaks to the brain through cognitive narratology. This can set in motion other thoughts and memories and spark creativity.
The saxophone is an instrument, like the piano, that responds to searching for answers. However, understanding the answers to these deep questions requires one to celebrate those answers with music; when saxophones are part of the music, the experience is enriched.
10 Reasons to Play the Saxophone
Expressing your creativity. ...
There's a Saxophone to suit everyone! ...
Music helps you academically. ...
It is SO friendly. ...
It teaches you patience and perseverance. ...
You can “switch off” ...
Improves your memory. ...
You will have a skill for life.
Assumed Innovation gets Attention! →
Creativity is the ability to think about a problem in a new or different way or the ability to use imagination to generate new ideas. Creativity begins with a foundation of knowledge, learning a discipline, and mastering a way of thinking. You can learn to be creative by experimenting, exploring, questioning assumptions, using imagination, and then processing that information. Learning to be creative is akin to learning a sport. It requires practice to develop the right muscles and a supportive environment to flourish.
“Creativity is a combinatorial force: it’s our ability to tap into our ‘inner’ pool of resources – knowledge, insight, information, inspiration, and all the fragments populating our minds – that we’ve accumulated over the years just by being present and alive and awake to the world and to combine them in extraordinary new ways.” — Maria Popova, Brainpickings.
Some people have a “Creative Eye,” which means that when they see something, they are inspired to either create a version of it or think of how to use it.
Messy Desks, Dirty Hands, don't Guarantee Success - but they might Help →
Creative people are messy! Is this true? Ask yourself: have you ever painted a picture without making a mess? What happens when you write a fantastic story? You probably let the rest of your life go on hold for a while and just let your other duties pile up.
Albert Einstein said, “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, what, then, is an empty desk a sign of?” Creativity, by nature, is messy. (a thought provoking quote)
